Aspiranten

Aspiranten is a Dutch noun meaning a person who aspires to a goal or who is in the process of pursuing a certain objective. The term is commonly used to refer to individuals who seek a position, admission, or advancement, rather than to those who have already achieved it. In everyday language, aspiranten can refer to job applicants, students preparing for professional exams, or candidates for a competitive program.

Etymology: The word comes from aspirant, from Latin aspirant- meaning breathing toward, via French or English adoption. In Dutch, aspirant is used both as a singular and a plural aspiranten.

Contexts: In education and training, aspiranten are students preparing for entrance exams or professional licenses. In employment, the term is used to describe applicants who are actively pursuing a position, though some contexts prefer sollicitant for a formal applicant. In military or civil service histories, aspirant has occasionally designated a trainee or officer candidate in a formal training program.

See also: sollicitant; applicant; candidate. Note that aspirant can carry nuance of ongoing pursuit rather than final selection.